Benalla Rural City Council has partnered with local members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group to educate students about First Nations culture.
The education sessions held at FCJ College are part of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) and incorporate this year’s theme – ‘Be a Voice for Generations – Act Today for a Reconciled Tomorrow’.
Winton Wetlands Koorie Cultural Officer and proud Yorta Yorta woman, Nikki James, together with Jane Archbold from Benalla Rural City Council, visited the college to discuss what reconciliation means to the students.
Council Mayor, Bernie Hearn said it was important to acknowledge the First Nations culture of our region by sharing this knowledge with students at FCJ during National Reconciliation Week.
“The sessions held at FCJ last week and during National Reconciliation Week were a fantastic way for students to learn about Yorta Yorta culture from the very passionate and very knowledgeable Nikki James,” Mayor Hearn said.
“Council has also registered with Reconciliation Australia to begin working on the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan. This will involve undertaking a number of staff and community workshops as we continue to grow and learn.
“Our staff in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group have started planning for NAIDOC Week celebrations, coming up in the first week of July.”
The main NAIDOC Week celebration will be held on Tuesday 4 July, commencing with a flag raising at the Civic Centre and a smoking ceremony, activities and displays at the Town Hall.
